The Coconut Cream Pie At This Oregon Café Might Be The Best You’ll Ever Taste
I’ve eaten my way through more slices of pie than I care to admit, but the coconut cream at Chalet Restaurant & Bakery in Newport stopped me mid-bite.
This family-run café has been serving coastal Oregon since 1972, and their signature dessert has turned casual travelers into devoted regulars. The pie case sits right by the entrance, practically begging you to skip your meal and go straight for dessert.
Newport locals guard this secret like treasure, but the word is out: if you’re driving Highway 101, this detour is non-negotiable.
1. A Pie Case That Stops Traffic On Highway 101
North Newport’s daily ritual starts at a bright bakery counter inside Chalet, the family-owned café locals have leaned on since 1972. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the room warms with coffee, chatter, and that just-baked smell.
I pulled off the highway one foggy Tuesday morning and found myself face-to-face with the most beautiful lineup of pies I’d ever seen.
The café sits at 2026 N Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97365, and keeps hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. You can check their latest updates at chaletrestaurantnewport.com.
The bakery case practically glows under the lights, making it impossible to walk past without at least peeking inside.
2. Coconut Cream, The Oregon Way
Their coconut cream pie keeps things classic: silky coconut custard in a flaky crust, finished with a cloud of whipped cream. This is the kind of slice locals send out-of-towners to try first, and honestly, I understand why.
The filling is smooth without being gloppy, and the coconut flavor tastes real, not artificial or overly sweet.
It’s on the permanent dessert board, not a once-in-a-while special. That means you can count on finding it any day of the week.
I’ve tried coconut cream pies from California to Washington, but Chalet’s version has a balance that’s hard to beat.
3. How To Time Your Slice
Midday sees the briskest traffic; whole pies and by-the-slice orders move quickly. The café posts that they don’t handle takeout or dessert reservations by email, so call if you’re planning a big order, then swing by early to beat the line.
I learned this the hard way after showing up at 2 p.m. on a Saturday and watching the last slice disappear.
Timing matters here. Morning visits guarantee the fullest selection, and weekday afternoons are quieter than weekends.
If you want a whole pie for a gathering, phone ahead and claim yours before someone else does.
4. A Family Story Since 1972
Chalet is proudly local and multigenerational. Quality born of tradition isn’t just a motto; it’s the operating plan.
Generations of the same family still run the dining room and bakery today, and you can feel that continuity in every detail. The recipes haven’t changed because they didn’t need to.
I chatted with one of the staff members, who mentioned her grandmother used to work the same counter decades ago. That kind of history shows up in the care they put into each pie.
It’s rare to find a place that hasn’t sold out or reinvented itself for trends, and Chalet stands as proof that staying true pays off.
5. What Locals Say
Recent diner notes single out the coconut cream by name: nostalgic, not fussy, and generous. It’s the sort of slice folks compare to what they grew up with, and Chalet’s version often wins the memory test.
One TripAdvisor review I read called it better than grandma’s, which is the highest compliment a pie can receive.
Locals aren’t shy about their loyalty. I overheard a couple at the next table debating whether to order one slice or two, and they settled on two without hesitation.
That kind of enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s clear this pie has earned its reputation one forkful at a time.
6. Before Dessert: How To Eat Like A Regular
Fuel up with classic coastal-diner comfort: omelets, burgers, soups, and save room for pie. The bakery case runs deep with cream, fruit, and seasonal favorites, so a pie flight at the table isn’t crazy talk.
I ordered a burger and soup combo, thinking I’d be too full for dessert, but somehow I found space.
Regulars know the drill. Start with something savory, pace yourself, and leave a corner of your stomach open for what really matters.
The menu is straightforward and satisfying, which makes the pie finale feel like the reward it truly is.
7. Easy To Find, Easy To Love
Set at Hwy 101 and NE 20th St, right by Fred Meyer and Safeway, the café is an effortless pull-off, no matter if you’re day-tripping the Central Coast or staying over.
Parking is straightforward, and the line usually moves. I’ve stopped here twice now, and both times I found a spot within seconds.
The location makes it perfect for travelers who want a quick, quality meal without hunting through side streets. You can spot the sign from the highway, and the whole experience feels designed for convenience.
It’s the kind of place that fits seamlessly into any coastal road trip itinerary.